Fashion has always been a showcase for changes in the political and economic climate of an era. Take for example the abundance of brown and the lowering of hemlines during the depression of the 70’s. In 2008, the credit crunch is biting hard; Fuel prices are up, house prices are down, loans are elusive rarities and recession is a dark, looming cloud. Shopping habits have been transformed as a result with consumers spending their limited funds on high-end, quality pieces rather than throw-away, trend-led items. Designers are heeding to the current economic climate and nowhere was this more apparent than on the catwalks of the A/W ’08 shows.
The new season sees the return of the capsule wardrobe and simplistic, wearable staples. Designers aimed for timeless items that would transcend seasons and trends, in consonance with the current consumer spending. Power dressing and minimalist colours were buzz words for many this season, in particular, Calvin Klein, Jil Sander and Todd Lynn. Tailored suits were heavily featured, The Little Black Dress made a welcome return as the ‘it’ dress of the season at Givenchy and Balenciaga and the classic white shirt was re-invented with bows and frills at Proenza Schouler. The looks were a lesson in beautiful grown-up simplicity with tailored dresses, suit jackets and coats in a muted palette of grey, navy and black. The fabrics were mostly heavy and opaque tweeds, plaids and leathers equalling the perfect investment pieces for many years to come.
So, how to beat the credit crunch and still remain stylish? Scour Vintage shops, Ebay, secretsales.co.uk and fashionxchange.co.uk, swap clothes with friends and visit outlet villages such as Bicester Village. Above all, think ‘key pieces’ when buying and use cheap accessories to ‘fashion-up’ your look. Headscarves, hats, a plethora of tights and statement jewellery and shoes ‘made’ the outfits at Chanel, Givenchy and Giles, amongst others.
This article was intended for an Autumn/Winter issue of Adornments.
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